What are the best slipcover fabrics?
I recommend medium to heavy weight fabrics that are durable, washable and have long lasting design appeal. Learn how I choose the best fabric.
Below are my favorite slipcover fabrics. I use them with good results for my client jobs and my own projects. Retailer links are provided.
NOTE: fabric quality, color, price and availability change without notice. Always sample before buying your slipcover yardage. View my fabric review disclosure policy on my About page.
12 oz. Natural Cotton Bull Denim
This durable, natural cotton denim is a very good basic for casual slipcovers that get moderate to frequent use. Coverage is good over most upholstery. Shrinkage: Natural 4″ to 6″ on a one yard length and 2″ to 3″ on the width. See slipcovers in Natural Denim: Marilyn’s sofa and Barb’s sofa.
A medium to heavy weight denim. Great for slipcovers that get daily use and up to 4 washes per year. The look is casual and soft after washed. White color is not too bright or too creamy. Good coverage over most colors but certain dark upholstery colors might show through a bit. Shrinkage: 3″ per yard length and 1″ on width. Slipcover in White Cotton Bull Denim: Peggy’s sofa
I’m super happy with this tightly woven, beefy 11.5 oz. cotton denim. Dyed the most gorgeous shade of camel — a wonderful alternative to Khaki. Great for everyday slipcovers. Machine wash and dry. To avoid deep set wrinkles be sure to wash & dry this fabric per my washing instructions. Shrinkage: 6″ per yard length and 3″ on width.
12 oz Cotton Bull Denim — Lots of Colors!
Cotton bull denim in color! Check out these options at Big Duck. Beautiful shades of navy blue, grey, mushroom, khaki, red, olive and more. 100% cotton in 11 and 12 oz weights are washable and durable. Colors change frequently.
14 oz. Yarn Dyed Indigo Denim
This indigo denim is a classic. Beefy 14 oz. weight with a soft drape. Works well in slipcovers that get a lot of use. You’ll love the durability especially if you have kids and/or pets. The medium shade of indigo is yarn dyed (not dyed solid) which gives the fabric an authentic blue jean look. Machine washable. Be sure to pre-shrink your yardage. Shrinkage: 2″ per one yard length and 1″ on the width. Slipcovers in Inigo denim: Ellen’s love seat and Kathy’s chair.
I like this heavyweight duck cloth (canvas) for simple white slipcovers that get a lot of use and frequent washing. It’s a good choice when lighter-weight white fabrics are not dense enough to cover dark colored upholstery. Shrinkage: White 3″ on a one yard length, 2″ on the width. Slipcover made with this white canvas: Pam’s chaise
Don’t want a heavy weight white canvas? Try this 10 oz. White Duck Cloth.
#12 weight Natural Cotton Duck
A heavy duty canvas made with 2-ply yarns in the fill (width of fabric). It’s denser, thicker and more durable than 10 oz and 12 oz canvas. Designed for tents, awnings, tote bags, etc. but I found it works great for slipcovers. I love the casual, relaxed look after washed….wrinkles and all. Shrinkage: 4″ on a one yard length, 2″ on the width. Slipcover made in #12 weight natural canvas: Kitty’s sectional and Sharon’s sofa.
Cotton Canvas Drop Cloth 9 x 12
12 oz. Cotton Pebble Duck, Natural
This thick cotton canvas has a raised “pebble” texture. It has a softer drape, more ease and less wrinkle than regular 10 and 12 oz canvas. When washed, the surface reveals random slubs and nubs, a rustic characteristic that adds to the overall casual, relaxed look. Shrinkage: 4″ to 5″ on a one yard length, 1″ to 2″ on the width.
10 oz. Cotton Canvas — Natural, White and Many Colors!
This is an economical canvas that makes a casual slipcover of medium-weight. Offered in natural, white and many colors. The hand-feel softens after it’s washed and takes on a relaxed, broken-in look. Expect moderate wrinkle on colors and high wrinkle on natural depending on how you wash/dry it. Shrinkage: 4″ on a one yard length, 2″ on the width. Slipcovers made in 10 oz. red canvas: Karen’s chair and Sue’s chair
I’m very impressed with the quality of this organic cotton canvas. Soft hand-feel, tightly woven and a much lower wrinkle than a conventional 10 oz cotton canvas. Makes a good medium weight slipcover that gets moderate use and a few washes year. This fabric is certified organic by the Eko Sustainable Textile Standard. Expect moderate shrinkage.
A medium weight Carr-Go canvas for slipcovers that get moderate use and few washes. It’s tightly woven with finer yarns than a utility canvas so the texture is more refined. Hand-feel is peach skin soft. Overall good coverage but check white and natural to make sure your upholstery color doesn’t show through. Shrinkage: 1.5″ on a one yard length and 1/2″ on the width. Slipcovers made in this brushed canvas: Sherry’s sofa and Bonnie’s chair.
Brazil Linen White 12 oz. and Off-White and many other colors.
After washed, Brazil takes on a casual look, floppy drape and softly crumpled texture. I like the 12 oz. weight. It feels substantial without being stiff or coarse. Works well for both tailored and loose fit slipcovers. Expect good coverage over most upholstery fabrics and colors. Shrinkage: 5″ on a one yard length, 4″ on the width. Slipcovers made in Brazil Linen: Karen’s chair and Pam’s chair
Manchester Linen Natural Brown 13 oz.
This un-dyed, natural brown linen is a beauty! It’s also the most durable 100% linen I’ve found for slipcovers. Heavy weight and tightly woven, this fabric offers excellent coverage and is a good choice for slipcovers that get daily use. Low wrinkle (more of an overall soft crumple) when you wash and dry the yardage. Be sure to follow my pre-shrink instructions for best results. Shrinkage: 4″ on a one yard length, 3″ on the width.
This is a strong, tightly woven canvas in 100% hemp with the look and feel of slubby linen. I love its natural, rustic beauty and creamy un-dyed color. After washed, this fabric takes on a wonderful floppy drape and allover soft crumpled appearance, no hard wrinkles like cotton canvas.
Covington New Woven Ticking 8 oz, Navy
A classic ticking stripe woven (not printed) in a twill weave. This 100% cotton fabric is a medium weight yet it’s surprisingly tightly constructed and offers very good coverage. Even though the label says dry clean only this fabric can be machine washed and dried with good results. Be sure to preshrink yardage before making your slipcover. Slipcover made in Covington Woven Ticking: Malorie’s Chair
10 oz Railroad Stripe Denim, Indigo & White
Pingback: Sewing slipcovers for a fresh new look
Very informative! Great post!